ISWAP reportedly challenges Boko Haram to gunfight in Sambisa Forest

The Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) have reportedly invited Boko Haram to a gun battle in the Sambisa Forest.

According to counter-insurgency expert in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, he received an exclusive letter written by ISWAP to the Boko Haram faction of Abubakar Shekau, challenging them to a fight.

Zagazola claimed ISWAP accused the Boko Haram group of misleading the people, spreading falsehood, withholding the truths, corruption and raping of women in the name of worshipping God.

He made this known through Twitter on Friday, while also sharing a copy of the purported letter sent to the Boko Haram faction that had already accepted the challenge.

According to the security expert, the battle took place in Gaizuwa, with many killed on both sides.

Zagozola had released a statement on Wednesday claiming that Boko Haram fighters captured 60 terrorists of the Islamic State in West Africa Province, ISWAP, including three key commanders of the sect.

Zagozola said that the ISWAP terrorists were captured on their way to Damasak in Borno State, identifying the commanders as Abubakar Saddiq, Abou Maimuna and Malam Idris.

However, Zagazola said “both groups are warming up for the next battle although the time and venue remain unannounced.”

He wrote; “EXCLUSIVE: ISWAP Invited Boko Haram to a gunfight in Sambisa forest. Zagazola has received an exclusive later written by ISWAP group to the Boko Haram faction of Abubakar SHEKAU, challenging them to a FIGHT.

“In the letter addressed to Boko Haram, the ISWAP said: ‘We warned you about what you are doing; from killing, destroying people’s properties, and abusing the courses of our Jihad.

“They also accused the Boko Haram group of misleading the people, spreading falsehood, withholding the truths, corruption and raping of women in the name of worshipping God.

“Beware, beware, get ready, we will follow you for leading our people astray. And the attack will be on this date: 57/Rabi Al-Awwal/9448 AH corresponding to 94/August/5252 AD.

“The Boko Haram faction already accepted the Challenge. The battle took place in Gaizuwa with many killed on both sides. Both groups are warming up for the next battle. Time and Venue unannounced.”

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